Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Office/Unit/Project Description
UNDP is a founding cosponsor of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), a partner of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, and a co-sponsor of several other international health partnerships. UNDP’s work on HIV, health and development, as described in the HIV, Health and Development Strategy 2016-2021: Connecting the Dots, leverages UNDP’s core strengths and mandates in human development, governance and capacity development to complement the efforts of specialist health-focused UN agencies. UNDP delivers three types of support to countries in HIV, health and development.
First, UNDP helps countries to mainstream attention to HIV and health into action on gender, poverty and the broader effort to achieve and sustain the Sustainable Development Goals. Second, UNDP works with partners to address the interactions between governance, human rights and health responses. Third, as a trusted, long-term partner with extensive operational experience, UNDP supports countries in effective implementation of complex, multilateral and multi-sectoral health and development projects, while simultaneously investing in capacity development so that national and local partners can assume these responsibilities over time.
Under the overall supervision of the GFPHST QA Advisor, the QA Specialist (Health products) Medical Lab shall provide technical guidance and advisory services to UNDP Country Offices (COs) and the UNDP Global Health Supply Center (GHSC), that are supporting countries implementing medical laboratory services. The guidance and advisory services will include the qualification of medical laboratory products and technologies as part of the health-strengthening systems and emergency preparedness plans. Upon requests and needs from GHSC and COs, the Specialist will provide services in close coordination with GFPHST PSM colleagues.
Scope of Work
Advise UNDP Global Health Supply Center (GHSC) and Country Offices (COs) on health products, a broad range of health products, equipment for general medical use, laboratory instruments, and laboratory to be procured according to estimated national needs and existing delivery systems for diagnosis and management of various diseases, and for genomic sequencing as part of health research; Lead and perform technical evaluations of medical laboratory equipment, IVDs, General Laboratopry Use products including review of requests for Research Use Only products; Advise GHSC and COs in developing technical ToRs for solicitation, technical specifications and technical evaluations for procuring the IVDs, medical laboratory products and technologies and capacity building of medical laboratory staff; Facilitate the QA team in the maintenance of the QA database of IVDs and medical laboratory technologies, and in the production of QA corporate reports; Work with the QA Advisor to develop, revise and deliver QA training activities/packages for UNDP’s COs, GHSC and other Business Units, and guidance materials and tools, including the writing of new SOPs and development of related tools; Facilitate the QA Advisor in the communication related to the procurement of medical laboratory products, technologies and systems; Participate in the relevant inter-agency technical groups, e.g., IVDs, genomic sequencing in healthcare, disease management focusing on diagnostic technologies, medical laboratory equipment, and provide UNDP with meeting reports with actions to facilateUNDP health systems stregntening . Advise COs on health systems strengtehining strategies with a focus of medical laboratory, diagnosis and sample management by reviewing national medical laboratory needs and identification of gaps and improvement plan design. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the OrganizationInstitutional Arrangements
The QA Specialist (Health Procucuts) Medical Lab will report to the GFPHST QA Advisor and collaborate with various QA Team members, Procurement, PSM, and CO staff.
Expected Demonstration of Competencies
Core Competencies
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Thematic Area Name Definition Business Development Knowledge Facilitation
Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge,
information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and
approaches to stimulate active participation,
contribution, and exchange.
Business Management Risk ManagementAbility to identify and organise action around mitigating and proactively managing risks
Business Management Communication Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channelsPartnership management
Relationship management
Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding
Procurement Strategic sourcing Knowledge of strategic sourcing concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations 2030 Agenda People Health Support to Global Fund and other Health Programmes Business Direction and Strategy System Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the systemRequired Education, Experience, Skills and Competencies
Minimum Education requirements
Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health or Development Practice is required. OR A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.Minimum years of relevant work experience
Minimum 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressive relevant experience in a broad range of medical laboratory technologies.Required skills
At least 5 years of relevant experience managing or advising on medical laboratory technologies within a hospital or supporting hospitals, particularly in low-middle-income countries (LMIC). Work experience in standardization/harmonizing testing systems in a developing country. Development of specifications for medical laboratory equipmentDesired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
Experience/expertise in setting up a medical laboratory product catalogue in a developing country is an asset. Work experience with a UN Agency or International NGO is an asset. Understanding the WHO guidance on the In vitro diagnostics procurement process is an asset Experience in strengthening medical laboratory systems, including quantification in a developing country, is an asset.
Required Language (s):
Fluency in written and spoken English is required Knowledge of an additional UN language is an asset.Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience, and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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